The KAUST Internship 2026–2027 in Saudi Arabia also known as KAUST Visiting Student Research Program (VSRP) offers a fully funded internship opportunity at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia. The program allows eligible students to gain hands-on research experience, collaborate with leading researchers, and access advanced laboratory facilities.

Students interested in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and related interdisciplinary fields can explore more than 100 faculty-led research projects. Internships last between two and six months, and applications are accepted throughout the year, subject to project availability.

Benefits of the KAUST Internship

The KAUST VSRP is designed to help students develop research skills while working in an international academic environment. Selected interns receive several benefits, including:

1. Monthly stipend: Participants receive USD $1,000 per month to support their living expenses during the internship.

2. Accommodation: The program provides a private bedroom and bathroom on campus.

3. Return airfare: Eligible selected interns receive airfare to KAUST and back.

4. Research experience: Interns work with experienced faculty members and contribute to research projects in their chosen fields.

5. Laboratory access: Participants gain access to core laboratories, advanced research facilities, and relevant university resources.

6. International exposure: Students join a diverse academic community and have opportunities to collaborate with researchers from different backgrounds.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should review the requirements for their chosen research project before applying. The official KAUST internship page lists the following general eligibility criteria:

• Applicants must be undergraduate students in their third year or above, or master’s students.
• A minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent, is required.
• Applicants must demonstrate English-language proficiency.
• Current PhD candidates, KAUST students, and KAUST alumni are not eligible.
• Graduates may also be eligible if they completed their degree within one year of the internship start date.

The published English-language requirements include IELTS 6.5 overall, TOEFL 4.5 overall, PTE Academic 64 overall, Cambridge English 176 overall, or Duolingo English Test 110 overall, with specified minimum component scores where applicable. Certain applicants who completed an in-person degree in designated English-speaking countries are exempt from providing an English test score.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents:

• Official academic transcripts in English
• One recommendation letter from a faculty member at their current institution
• A valid passport with at least six months of validity
• Statement of purpose
• Curriculum vitae (CV)

The recommendation letter is requested through the admissions process, so applicants should inform their nominated faculty member in advance.

How to Apply for the KAUST Internship

Follow these steps to apply:

1. Visit the official KAUST internship website.
2. Explore the available research projects and identify one matching your academic background.
3. Review the project’s requirements and expected research outcomes.
4. Prepare the required documents and submit your application through the project page.
5. Monitor your application and respond to any additional requests from the admissions team.

Applicants can submit only one application at a time. There is no application fee for internship applications.